F1 LIVE | Vasseur uses Verstappen as benchmark, Stella is forced to consider breaking golden papaya rule

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Lewis Hamilton argued that media criticism has harmed Ferrari staff more than the team’s difficult 2025 performance, claiming the pressure has weighed heavily on personnel throughout the season.Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur acknowledged the negative impact but emphasised that dealing with scrutiny is part of Formula 1. Speaking after the Qatar Grand Prix, Vasseur said teams must remain focused internally and work within their “bubble” to maximise results.He then pointed to Max Verstappen’s recovery, which started earlier in the year as proof that strong comebacks are possible. Vasseur added that Ferrari’s struggles in Qatar were linked to tyre pressure prescriptions and that the team must understand what went wrong compared to its competitors.Max Verstappen’s Qatar victory cut his deficit to Norris down to 12 points, increasing pressure on McLaren as the Abu Dhabi finale approaches. Lando Norris needs a third-place finish to secure the championship, while Oscar Piastri remains mathematically in contention but must overturn a 16-point gap and outscore both Norris and Verstappen to become champion.Andrea Stella, the Woking-based team principal has admitted that he will consider breaking McLaren’s usual rule against team orders, after he admitted recent mistakes, including the Las Vegas double disqualification and the missed Safety Car pit-stop opportunity in Doha, had weakened both title bids. He added both drivers would still be allowed to race, but the priority is ensuring one McLaren beats Verstappen to secure the world championship.

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